Q: I am a 32-year-old woman. For my past 3 periods I have
been experiencing severe dizziness, headaches, and nausea. This has interfered
with my work and home life greatly. I feel as though I can't cope. It starts
a week before my period is due and seems to go away shortly afterwards. It feels
as though it drains everything out of me and I can't function normally. What
can this be and what can I do to feel better? It is really affecting my mentality
as well when all this begins.

Sincerely, P.M.

Dr. Donnica: It's impossible to make your diagnosis via the Internet. I
recommend that you see your gynecologist ASAP and get evaluated. She will
ask you many more questions, do an internal exam, and maybe even check your
blood count. This does not sound like typical PMS or PMDD-related symptoms. However,
you may have what's called "menstrual migraine", which is very common. For
more information on this topic, click here.